You've heard it before: The planet's future wellbeing matters most for those who'll inherit it — those who are still young (or aren't yet born).

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But who's making the decisions that determine the wild world's fate? Mostly, it seems, those who aren't particularly young.

Thankfully, there are ways to make a difference outside the corridors of power, too, when it comes to the future of the Earth. And young people can help make that difference — even be leaders in doing so.

From kindergarten kids to high-schoolers, youth all over the world are recognizing that they're urgently needed to help save our planet from the disappearance of unique endangered species; the pollution and destruction of wildlands where we play, hike, bike and camp — and even climate change, which could change all our lives, dramatically, forever.

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply appreciates that young people are caring more and more about our planet and its nonhuman inhabitants, from tiny butterflies and beetles to the great white polar bear and the Arctic seals it preys on — and that some of these youths are taking incredible steps to help protect them. Even just learning about animals and plants, and all that threatens these irreplaceable species, could help ensure their survival. Education is the first step toward action.

Are you a young person? As in, not yet in college, but able to read and understand the words on this webpage?